Revving Up for TOCA Cuba
With its tropical climate; warm soothing waters; over 5,000 coasts bordering both the Atlantic and Caribbean; natural reserves, landscapes, and parks; and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cuba has everything it needs to becoming a leading tourist destination. Already plans are in action to update and expand the hospitality industry in order to accommodate the expected influx of business and resort tourism, and TOCA Cuba is in place to help coordinate what will be a boom in event production. With news of Obama’s opening the gates for a new relationship with Cuba, local entrepreneurs are excited about the fresh air that will finally enter their city. After the 50 year embargo, the nation stands to develop into a brilliant destination for meetings, workshops, congresses, festivals, and other special events, and we plan to be one of the major players in helping to develop the local economy. Just 90 miles from Key West, Florida, Cuba became a magnet for tourism back in 1915, when it was actually the most visited city in the Caribbean. Prohibition was on and the island was the place to go for its natural beauty along with legalized alcohol and gambling. During the great depression and WWII, tourism slowed down, only to build up again in the 1950’s until ’59 when Fidel Castro overthrew the pro-American dictator Fulgencio Batista. During this time foreign influx was looked down upon and new internal policies were created that led to JFK’s embargo in 1962, where Cuba turned to the USSR for support. Later on tourism came back into favor, driven by European and Canadian interest. Today visitors still need a license to enjoy the island, which can be found with licensed travel service providers. However with American travelers now able use their US credit cards, and cruise ship companies and airlines expanding their services to accommodate the expected huge influx of tourism, it is easy to predict the future. The hospitality industry is girding up, with Melia Hotels International opening a stunning hotel with 1,176 rooms on the island of Cayo Coco and many other hotels preparing for the competition. Even AirBnB now has approximately 1,000 listings in Havana alone! At TOCA Events we are excited about the renovation, renewal, and revenue that will positively affect the Cuban population. New strategies are coming into view and a positive trend is already in place for the first quarter of 2015 that according to “Hospitality On” shows that arrivals are up from the previous year by 14.2%. The vitality of the country has always been a powerful allure to anyone attracted to a population with heart and soul, a landscape that ignites the senses, and all the culture one could hope for in one place. Cuba boasts over 120 art galleries, 260 museums, over 80 theaters, along with exhibition halls and hotels that are made for world-class events. With all of this in mind, TOCA is already forming liasons with artists, vendors, and venues as we create an organic connection with the Cuban community. In service to our future involvement with Cuba, as well as with other Spanish-speaking countries, TOCA Events has now added a Spanish version of our website as we move into this next exciting phase. www.tocaevents.com [:pb] With its tropical climate; warm soothing waters; over 5,000 coasts bordering both the Atlantic and Caribbean; natural reserves, landscapes, and parks; and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cuba has everything it needs to becoming a leading tourist destination. Already plans are in action to update and expand the hospitality industry in order to accommodate the expected influx of business and resort tourism, and TOCA Cuba is in place to help coordinate what will be a boom in event production. With news of Obama’s opening the gates for a new relationship with Cuba, local entrepreneurs are excited about the fresh air that will finally enter their city. After the 50 year embargo, the nation stands to develop into a brilliant destination for meetings, workshops, congresses, festivals, and other special events, and we plan to be one of the major players in helping to develop the local economy. Just 90 miles from Key West, Florida, Cuba became a magnet for tourism back in 1915, when it was actually the most visited city in the Caribbean. Prohibition was on and the island was the place to go for its natural beauty along with legalized alcohol and gambling. During the great depression and WWII, tourism slowed down, only to build up again in the 1950’s until ’59 when Fidel Castro overthrew the pro-American dictator Fulgencio Batista. During this time foreign influx was looked down upon and new internal policies were created that led to JFK’s embargo in 1962, where Cuba turned to the USSR for support. Later on tourism came back into favor, driven by European and Canadian interest. Today visitors still need a license to enjoy the island, which can be found with licensed travel service providers. However with American travelers now able use their US credit cards, and cruise ship companies and airlines expanding their services to accommodate the expected huge influx of tourism, it is easy to predict the future. The hospitality industry is girding up, with Melia Hotels International opening a stunning hotel with 1,176 rooms on the island of Cayo Coco and many other hotels preparing for the competition. Even AirBnB now has approximately 1,000 listings in Havana alone! At TOCA Events we are excited about the renovation, renewal, and revenue that will positively affect the Cuban population. New strategies are coming into view and a positive trend is already in place for the first quarter of 2015 that according to “Hospitality On” shows that arrivals are up from the previous year by 14.2%. The vitality of the country has always been a powerful allure to anyone attracted to a population with heart and soul, a landscape that ignites the senses, and all the culture one could hope for in one place. Cuba boasts over 120 art galleries, 260 museums, over 80 theaters, along with exhibition halls and hotels that are made for world-class events. With all of this in mind, TOCA is already forming liasons with artists, vendors, and venues
Gallery Weekend in Berlin
Back in the 1920’s, Berlin was the unequivocal capital of arts and culture in Germany. Movements like Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) and Secession, along with artists such as Max Beckmann, Käthe Kollwitz, and Edvard Munch, were a part of a scene that drew some of the most innovative creators into the city’s arms. Then came the long years during and after the war until the 1970’s and 80’s brought attention to art once again with an energy that included West Berlin’s Junge Wilde (Young and Wild movement). Since the Berlin wall fell in 1989, the city has enjoyed yet another Renaissance, with artists flocking from all over the world to experiment, show their work, and find inspiration from an atmosphere so open to creation and acquisition. From painting, to sculpture, photography, performance art, and installations, there is a constant buzz around the ongoing exhibitions, biennials, art trade shows, and grand events like the Documenta show in Kassel, which takes place every five years. In Berlin there is a huge opportunity for collectors, curators, and visitors to take in a scene that is intense, alive, and always evolving. Supporting the scene are an enormous quantity of exhibition spaces that include former factories, breweries, churches, boiler rooms, tower blocks, and office buildings that have been converted into galleries and work and living spaces for artists. Many of the spaces that were vacated by businesses after the wall came down became available for use through the initiative of organizations like Kulturwerk and the Berlin Senate. This unprecedented support for artists is what makes Berlin so unique. With over 150 not-for-profit and self-funded artists’ spaces all over the city, it is no wonder that Berlin is a mecca for artists who cannot afford to create work in other renowned cities across the globe. Current statistics say that there are over 20,000 international artists now living in Berlin. Grant programs to support studios are prevalent, giving way to more than 830 subsidized artists’ studios and studio apartments. With excellent grants, such as the DAAD artists program and Kunstlerhaus Bethaniene, international artists can get assistance for coming to the city to both create and show their work. The National Galerie is another supporter of contemporary art, giving prizes to young artists since 2000. Art collectors in Berlin also do their part to help to create studio spaces in obscure spaces, such as abandoned crematoria and even a former Communist party carpark. Putting their private collections on public display, may of these collectors create exciting events, such as Christian Boros’ show that was housed in a former WWII bunker. Another exciting venue is in the Hamberger Bahnhof where Heiner Bastian’s collection features works from the “art brut” movement, including pieces by Joseph Beuys, Damien Hurst, Anselm Kiefer and more. As a center for contemporary art, one feels a special vitality in the air, with a youthful and vigorous scene that is a given for a city that prides itself on a sophisticated forward-mindedness. There are a plethora of galleries in Berlin neighborhoods such as Mitte, Kreuzberg, Potsdammer Strasse, Charlottenburg, and even various apps like EyeOut Berlin and INDEX Berlin that follow the art trends throughout city. The 11th Gallery Weekend Berlin begins on April 30 and runs through May 4. Founded as a private initiative amongst local Berlin galleries, this year has 47 of them exhibiting works from both new and established artists. http://www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de/ www.tocaevents.com [:pb] Back in the 1920’s, Berlin was the unequivocal capital of arts and culture in Germany. Movements like Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) and Secession, along with artists such as Max Beckmann, Käthe Kollwitz, and Edvard Munch, were a part of a scene that drew some of the most innovative creators into the city’s arms. Then came the long years during and after the war until the 1970’s and 80’s brought attention to art once again with an energy that included West Berlin’s Junge Wilde (Young and Wild movement). Since the Berlin wall fell in 1989, the city has enjoyed yet another Renaissance, with artists flocking from all over the world to experiment, show their work, and find inspiration from an atmosphere so open to creation and acquisition. From painting, to sculpture, photography, performance art, and installations, there is a constant buzz around the ongoing exhibitions, biennials, art trade shows, and grand events like the Documenta show in Kassel, which takes place every five years. In Berlin there is a huge opportunity for collectors, curators, and visitors to take in a scene that is intense, alive, and always evolving. Supporting the scene are an enormous quantity of exhibition spaces that include former factories, breweries, churches, boiler rooms, tower blocks, and office buildings that have been converted into galleries and work and living spaces for artists. Many of the spaces that were vacated by businesses after the wall came down became available for use through the initiative of organizations like Kulturwerk and the Berlin Senate. This unprecedented support for artists is what makes Berlin so unique. With over 150 not-for-profit and self-funded artists’ spaces all over the city, it is no wonder that Berlin is a mecca for artists who cannot afford to create work in other renowned cities across the globe. Current statistics say that there are over 20,000 international artists now living in Berlin. Grant programs to support studios are prevalent, giving way to more than 830 subsidized artists’ studios and studio apartments. With excellent grants, such as the DAAD artists program and Kunstlerhaus Bethaniene, international artists can get assistance for coming to the city to both create and show their work. The National Galerie is another supporter of contemporary art, giving prizes to young artists since 2000. Art collectors in Berlin also do their part to help to create studio spaces in obscure spaces, such as abandoned crematoria and even a former Communist party carpark. Putting their private collections on public display, may of these collectors create exciting events, such as Christian Boros’ show that was housed in a former WWII bunker. Another exciting venue is in the Hamberger Bahnhof where Heiner Bastian’s collection features works from the “art brut” movement, including pieces by Joseph Beuys, Damien Hurst, Anselm Kiefer and more. As a center for contemporary art, one feels a special vitality in the air, with a youthful and vigorous scene that is a given for a city that prides itself on a sophisticated forward-mindedness. There are a plethora of galleries
The Excitement of Fieston
Having created several events for FIESTON, we at TOCA Events are always excited when we are asked to sign the next contract. An event that attracts thousands of people of all ages, we become just as swept away as everyone else when the gates open and the day begins. With FIESTON Cicero and FIESTON L.A. under our belts, our latest FIESTON has us in Phoenix, Arizona. Here we are continuing our multi-contract with Univision Communications to produce the FIESTON Liga MX live viewing event, coming up on April 26th, 2015. As the broadcast network for Liga MX, Univision is bringing this public event to Phoenix for the first time, working in collaboration with host venue Chase Field to cross promote the Liga MX with Phoenix’s major league baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joining forces with Chase Field’s Hispanic Festival, we at TOCA Events are helping to create an exciting family-oriented experience that is open to the general public. In addition to a live viewing of the much anticipated Chivas vx America soccer match, FIESTON Phoenix will offer something for everyone. From the 3×3 soccer pitch, painters, and interactive games for kids, to the Coors Beer Garden, Tequila Tasting, and a range of performances including folkloric dance, Mariachi and live bands for adults, this will be a thrilling and fun-filled day that will ignite the entire Phoenix community. Reaching Univision’s international audience, the event includes pre-game and halftime segments that will be broadcast to live from the Univision Sports Desk, situated in the center of the event footprint. The broadcast will be hosted by renowned presenters Jorge Calvo and Alejandro Berry of the popular show, “Fantasticos del Frio.” The two will be joined by star soccer player Ramón Ramírez, one of the greatest Mexical league and national team players who retired in 2000. Ramírez will be at the Sports Desk with the two hosts providing insights and commentary, and will also be available for autographs and photos with guests at specified times throughout the day. FIESTON culminates with a live performance by none other than the young Mexican superstar, Luis Coronel. With hits like “Será Mas Facil” and “Escápate,” Coronel won the Latin Billboard Artist of the Year in 2014 and Regional Mexican Artist of the Year in 2015 and is bound to set the field on fire with his charisma and talent. As with all of the FIESTON events, we are expecting an extremely large turnout in Phoenix, with families and especially kids immersing themselves in the experience. In the past we’ve seen between 4,000 – 8,000 guests attend FIESTON, and we are projecting that FIESTON Phoenix will be no exception to the rule. FIESTON Phoenix is open to the general public from 11am to 7pm on April 26th at the Chase Field Plaza located at 401 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix. www.tocaevents.com
The Quintessential Fashion of Rio
There’s something in the air in Rio de Janeiro that no other city on earth shares. It is a combination of the deep and burning sensuality that comes from the city’s history, combining Portuguese, French, and African roots with an electrified atmosphere that the landscape itself invites. In Rio, the 20’s to the 50’s were considered the “Golden Age,” with the first big wave of international society flocking to the city for all the glamour it offered. Through all of the ups and downs in between, Rio de Janeiro has become a city that combines leisure with commerce, inviting an increasingly stabile economy and a contemporary pulse that cannot be denied. And with this, comes the quintessential flavor that is all Rio’s own. Captured by our own TOCA Events photographer, Fabio Pamplona, it is easy to see why fashion is the big metaphor for the Rio de Janeiro lifestyle. From famed Brazilian models such as Giselle Bündchen to the inimitable and ubiquitous Brazilian bikini, this is the place where sensuality and beauty meets an industry that thrives on all that the city has to offer. Combine the exquisite landscape of golden sand, green waters, and lush tropical mountains with the everyday sights of gorgeous inhabitants and you have an aesthetic recipe made in heaven. Here street fashion is just as potent as the pages of design you find in the magazines. From the beach to the runway, Rio’s exuberance is evident in the rich colors and breezy fabrics used by local designers, as well as the fit and tanned models who wear them. No matter in what corner you find Rio fashion, you will always find a sense of joy and festivity in the wearing… brought out by the sun, the music, and the rhythm of this city that brings out the best in everyone. At TOCA Events there is not a day that goes by where we are not celebrating our presence here in Rio. With heart-stopping views of local flora and fauna, we are constantly inspired. And of course, having the opportunity to introduce so many of our clients to the excitement and beauty of the culture is an extra bonus. For information on offering your event here in Rio, contact us at: www.tocaevents.com www.tocaevents.com
Color in Design
One of the most important elements in creating a specific ambiance is how we use color. Whether in the home, for a party, a conference, or in advertising, selection of the right colors is key in creating the right emotion. Color activates the emotions To most of us, specific colors evoke certain feelings, even if we don’t realize this on a conscious level. Take the color red. Red can be understood as sexy, passionate, warm, inviting, positive, sophisticated, and sometimes dangerous. We often associate green with tranquility, warmth, and renewal, as well as with money and thus prosperity. Black is dramatic when placed in the right context, and white always depicts purity, cleanliness, and clarity. At TOCA Events, we are acutely aware of how important color combinations are for creating the right tone for a specific event. For us, understanding the type of impact our clients wish to create, as well as the results they hope to achieve, is the basic key to creating an environment that works. In this regard, choosing the right colors is the absolute foundation for transmitting the feeling that clients wish to evoke for their attendees. There is a very specific vocabulary of color, which starts with the color wheel. Thanks to the work of Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered that colors formed a spectrum after bending light through a prism, we have the circular color wheel that starts with red and goes to orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and then back to red. The wheel consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, where primary colors can be mixed together to create secondary colors, which in turn can be mixed together to create tertiary colors. The wide variety of color schemes makes for a wonderful opportunity to find just the right hues for every emotion, which is something any artist will tell you. Along with color combining, there is color saturation, which is the purity or brightness of a color. When it is clear and bright, it is considered highly saturated. When there is a more muted tone, it is considered to be less saturated. We also can talk about tone, which is when colors are modified by the addition of white or black. Here light tones or tints are created by mixing a given color with white, while dark shades are made with gray or black. Combining colors and paying attention to saturation and tone is what creates optimum impact when creating an event. Our job at TOCA Events is to identify the mood and then follow suit with colors that work well for the message. Through good planning, the right colors will impact ideas, messages, interest, and emotion, which all come together to make a statement that works with subtle strength. A TOCA we are intrigued by both the science and art of using color. We are fascinated by the way colors are made, as well as what color symbolizes, and recognize what a powerful tool color is in changing the way we think, act, and react. Playing a vital role in our world, color has the power to soothe or irritate, calm our appetite or raise our blood pressure, change the look of an ordinary space, and define who you are or what you represent. Through the right use of color, we can create an instant change in perception. At TOCA, we believe that finding the right colors to express the personality and intention of the moment is an art form, which adds another dimension to the pleasure we get in working with our clients to create an environment that is consistent with the unspoken message within their event. www.tocaevents.com
Rio’s Exciting Beach Culture
No wonder Rio de Janeiro, known as “Cidade Maravilhosa” is a place where we at TOCA feel right at home. Jumping from our office in Miami to this Brazilian paradise just shows you what sensualists we are, with an office that allows us to perfectly cover the many corporate events we produce in South America. An Emphasis on Sports Of course, besides the exciting work, its the beach that calls us to Rio, with a totally different vibe than the one we find in Miami. Like Miami, Rio has a huge beach culture, but with an enormous emphasis on sports, with people of all ages playing volleyball, soccer, and enjoying surfboarding whenever they have a spare moment. Mornings and early evenings find the locals exercising, whether its walking or jogging along the water’s edge, or stretching on the sand. In the afternoons, you’ll see some pretty exciting sports being played, with vendors selling coconut water, grilled prawns, and oysters as they wend their way through the throng. Another popular workout on Rio beaches is on the public jungle-gym equipment you see in various areas along the beach. What a great way to keep the public involved in staying fit! Alterro do Flamengo Flamengo Park or “Alterro do Flamengo” is great park for sports, located between the Catete and Botafogo districts right at the edge of Guanabara Bay. Also known as Eduargo Gomes Park, it sits on 286 acres, making it the largest leisure park in Rio. Known for many activities including as the main drag for the Rio Cycling Race and a popular finish line for marathons, the park is dotted with football fields, basketball courts, an outdoor theatre, and even an area for remote control airplane fanatics! And adding to the area’s allure are the exquisitely created gardens by Burle Marx, a famed landscape designer who has made the park as unique as it is practical. Where Socializing is Key The beaches in Rio are where everyone comes to socialize. With 45 miles of gorgeous sand, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon are the most popular and familiar to visitors. If you want to make a date to meet friends, you only have to choose one of the “postas” or lifeguard stations that stretch along the main beaches. Name the number of the posta and everyone will find you! Planning Your Event in Rio If you’re planning an event and aren’t sure where the best place could be for keeping your guests entertained and fit on their time off, look no more! Our TOCA planning experts will make sure that you get the right mix of a perfectly designed corporate gathering with time off for everyone to enjoy Rio’s exciting beach culture. www.tocaevents.com
Touching the World
For followers of TOCA Events it comes as no surprise that we have the travel bug. And, as it is with ardent travelers, we know that our passion is contagious. No wonder so many of our clients choose to host their events in the exotic locations we are so happy to recommend. From Miami to Rio, Nicaragua to Thailand, Columbia to Berlin, we thrive on the creative synergy generated daily between the members of our global team. And it is through this synergy that TOCA emanates such an international appeal. Coming from such diverse backgrounds, each person who works with us is steeped in the knowledge of his or her specific locale, with the added caveat of an advanced state of curiosity for exploring the rest of the planet. For all of us at TOCA, travel is an art form and a way of life. It is how we understand others, how we learn from them, and how we can enjoy creative ways of interchange. Travel is a way to get a perspective on how things are done differently elsewhere, and then of course to discover how we are all ultimately the same. Experienced and extensive travel brings an ease to one’s relationship with the world. Travel helps make one more adaptable. Through an understanding of varying cultures, we are able to bring a sophisticated and expanded view of possibilities to the table. Each member of our TOCA team knows how to look at art, appreciate all forms of music from folklore to funk, stand by their favorite sports team, enjoy the photographic possibilities of a precious moment, glow in the presence of a fine wine, and so much more. At TOCA, we believe that when we know how to appreciate what life brings, we are more able to serve our clients. Through travel we have learned that a simple picnic on a handwoven blanket in Morocco can be as opulent and memorable an experience as dining in a three-star Michelin rated restaurant in Paris. We know that the value of a well-placed candle is just as effective as a crystal chandelier. And we know that language is no barrier, which of course is one of the reasons we are so well known for our great communication skills! Our mission as a corporate and sporting event company is to bring magic to the venue, as well bringing the venue to the magic! In creating the perfect components for a successful event, we have a toolbox full of scintillating ideas that mix our in-depth knowledge of ideal global locations with exciting activities that reflect the locale. Casting our net far and wide to learn more about the world is what fuels our love of life. And it is this love of life that fuels all of our events, making each one the best party one could ever attend. In doing so, it is our goal to give everyone attending a memorable experience that they can then bring home and share. At TOCA we so enjoy posting some of our favorite spots around the globe, and highlighting interesting current events that help evolve global culture. The fun is always in the sharing, as we reach out and touch the world. www.tocaevents.com
St. Pete, Florida: A Perfect Event Locale
Just when the majority of the United States is in the grip of never-ending snowstorms, there is one state that seems to avoid the trend. Though the freeze has even found its way to the deep South, Florida remains free of these back-to-back winter storms, with residents and visitors basking in balmy temperatures under a delicious sun. With weather you can count on, St. Petersburg, Florida offers the perfect destination, which is why we at TOCA Events have become partners with this great city. The area is alive with extraordinary beaches, exceptional culture and entertainment, and constant growth. You only have to read about neighboring city, Tampa’s recent development coup set to break ground this spring, offering over one million square feet of office space and a half a million square feet of hotel and meeting spaces. It became obvious to us a long time ago, that St. Pete would be the ideal setting for a satellite TOCA office. With this in mind, we were lucky to find Hospitality and Special Event pro, Suzan Gough, to join our stellar staff as Senior Executive, MICE Relations for the Tampa Bay Region. With her deep experience in client service, Suzan is helping us grow our brand, creating a significant presence along Florida’s Gulf Coast. With her background as an on-board purser and cruise hostess to years in sales and marketing for hotels Radisson, Marriott, and Resorts International, she also served as the Director of Marketing for Broward County’s Hotel & Motel Association. Launching two separate entrepreneurial endeavors, she provided event and culinary services to a broad list of clients, including ESPN, Blockbuster’s World Headquarters, the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Whitbread sailing teams. As former account executive and event producer for conceptBait, a global event and floral design house, Suzan has just the right mix of experience, creativity, professionalism, and clout to manage a strategic locale for event planning such as we have here in St. Petersburg. From the complexities of planning large corporate and sporting events, to managing ancillary activities, our St. Pete team has been hand-picked for their knowledge of the Tampa Bay/Clearwater scene. This means that when our clients ask for a full-on event package, they get the very best that the area has to offer. Whether it’s beach volleyball, a sunset boat ride, or a visit to some of the coast’s best venues, TOCA knows how to tailor off-site experiences that guests will never forget. After a full day of workshops and conferences, we know how to show everyone a good time. Obtaining hard-to-get tickets for a sporting event or a performing arts performance, gaining entrance to fashion shows and clubs, and offering off-the-beaten-path nature walks are just some of the ways our familiarity with this splendid locale can provide that “something extra” that our clients deserve. St. Petersburg and its environs is an easy sell when our clients are looking for a setting that offers consistent weather and a plethora of opportunities for relaxation and pleasure to offset an intense corporate pow-wow or simply to reward employees for work well done. TOCA Events is proud to be a part of the scene, and always excited to plan the perfect on-site and off-site events. www.tocaevents.com
Tailoring Unique Experiences from Rio to Miami
As TOCA Events prepares for the Rio Summer Games 2016, we are digging deep into our local resources to tailor a huge variety of events and activities for our visiting clients and their guests. Making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience is what gives each event its TOCA stamp, as we are able to initiate experiences that only true Rio de Janeiro insiders can do. A native of Rio, TOCA co-owner Robson Coccaro knows the city like the palm and the back of his hand. Combining his deep knowledge of Brazilian culture with partner Sean Gibbons’ breadth of expertise with U.S. and international clients has allowed the two to build a powerful presence in Rio and Miami, with TOCA offices in both major cities. With our South and North American team collaborating daily on ongoing projects, TOCA has an amazing network on the ground in both Rio and Sao Paolo that covers the whole of Brazil. No wonder we are growing as an international event company by leaps and bounds. More and more, our clients are enjoying the fact that our exciting and unique events consist of a local scene that isn’t just a backdrop, but filled with local artists and providers who thoroughly authenticate the experience. With a palette that includes great music and dance, fine arts, exceptional flora and fauna, beaches that defy the imagination, sports activities, fashion shows, and great dining opportunities, our Rio and Miami offices are always buzzing with creative fervor as we plan each new event. www.tocaevents.com
Helping Employees Bond Within Corporate Culture
When our corporate clients hold an event the purpose is clear: disseminating new information and modalities for the company and rewarding employees for their good work. This is usually the motive behind meetings that also serve as a powerful way to bring company members together. Combining Business with Pleasure One of the essential ingredients that we feel is necessary for creating a successful corporate event is offering exciting extracurricular activities as a part of its fabric. Keeping participants energized, engaged, and involved beyond the scheduled meetings and workshops is a key element in combining business with pleasure. The Perfect Recipe for Team Building At TOCA we seem to touch on all the right ingredients, which is evident in the glowing reports we get after every event. Our signature talent is in providing a diversity of options, spanning everything from interactive sports to dining, cultural events, private tours, and innovative classes. Inviting attendees to mingle in a relaxed setting is the perfect recipe for team building, which forms the essence of a solid corporate culture. Loosening the Proverbial Necktie As heads of divisions mingle with those climbing the ladder, people have the chance to shake hands and get to know each other better during a relaxed “off the business schedule” experience. In this more personal atmosphere, the proverbial necktie is loosened as new friendships are made that will ultimately lead to greater productivity and inspiration in the workplace. Location Our TOCA team is always excited when we get to the extracurricular side of planning an event. Because we want to give attendees a local experience and because we are fortunate to produce events in so many exquisite and exotic settings, the choices we give our clients come from extensive research into what each specific location offers. Our diverse international team allows us to present exceptional activities from people who are really in the know, many of which are off the beaten path from conventional tourism. Our Menu of Possibilities With our two main TOCA offices in Miami Beach and Rio de Janiero, it’s not hard to imagine the great activities that are available. Beach volleyball tournaments, a guided tour of the exotic flora and fauna, hiking and climbing, a taste of local cuisine, or even a private fashion show are just some of the pleasures one can expect from our menu of possibilities. Creating the Perfect Balance From Boston to Phoenix, Buenos Aires to Berlin, it is always a thrill to mine what is nearby our event location. Introducing attendees to local fairs, wineries, bakeries, cooking classes, and even dance lessons (0ur Samba parties are famous!) create the perfect balance for a TOCA corporate event. Excursions and Culture Providing participants with a plethora of photographic opportunities, we offer day trips and overnight excursions to points of interest, as well as many behind-the-scenes events. And because our staff is exceptionally knowledgable in the performing and fine arts, we always enjoy adding museum and art gallery tours, as well as an evening at the theatre or concert to the itinerary. And Let’s Not Forget Sports! Sports are a fundamental part of what TOCA is all about. As producers of so many sporting events, we are attuned to the tremendous attraction of sports competition, especially for participants who have been attending seminars for most of the day. Whether it is extreme sports training, a day of biking, an evening of bowling, or a friendly softball game, we love it when we see people get physical. Something for Everyone From Body Activation to yoga, a spa visit, or a fitness presentation, we offer beautifully designed off or on-site activities that will bring something to everyone. At TOCA we believe in helping employees bond within corporate culture through the shared and unexpected pleasures we so love to provide. www.tocaevents.com